Council Papers.

PROVINCIAL ENGINEER'S REPORT

ON PUBLIC WORKS.

To the Pbovincial Secbetaby, Nelson.

Sib — For the information of his Honour the Superintendent, I have now the honour to forward my annual report on the public works of the province.

Main South Road.

On the main South-road, a certain amount of work has been done in repairing that portion of it in the Wairau Gorge, and between that and the Top-house ; these repairs were much needed. A considerable amount of labour has been bestowed on the road through the Big Bush, which had become so bad as to be almost impassable; nearly the whole of the worst parts have now been corduroyed in a substantial manner, and, could funds be spared to lay a light coating of gravel on the corduroy, these parts would be converted into a really permanent road, not needing repairß for many years. There are many parts of this road between the Big Bush and the Wai-iti which will demand attention, having been much damaged by heavy rains and floods.

The main South-road beyond the Wairau Gorge has not been repaired during the past season ; it is satisfactory, however, to find that one portion of it can be improved, namely, that between the Clarence and Hanmer Plains which has been explored lately. From a point about six miles above the turn off to Jollie'a Pass, a line can be obtained through the bush lately burned, with gradients suitable for a dray-road, on a broad-backed easy spur. This line will be surveyed and reported on ia a •hort time.

South Bulleb Road.

On this, a party has been employed between the Lake and the Tiraumea, repairing the worst parts ; and although much has been done, there tire still many places requiring attention, principally muddy holes, which will need to bo made good with stones and gravel, and which in their present state almost put a stop to horse traffic.

On this line of road a good, substantial bridge, ten feet wide, has been erected over the lower end of the Rotoroa Lake, consisting of five spans of twentyfour feet each, and two of twelve feet. The erection of this bridge has done away with tho necessity of keeping a ferryman at this place, and will be felt as a boon by all travellers.

An extension of this road by way of the Tutaki and Matakitaki rivers, has been completed from the lower end of tho Matakitaki Plain, across the range into the Maruia Plains* at their northern extremity, a distance of about fourteen miles ; and from this point again a horse-track has been made along the Maruia Plains to near their southern extremity, a further distance of rather more than twelve miles.

At the end of the Maruia Plains commences the foot track down the Grey River, which will be described amongst the works executed in that district.

Spoonee's Range Road.

Having decided on adopting a modification of the old road over the ranges as the principal, to give access from the Wai-iti to the Motueka Valley, I carefully exainined'the country, and laid off the improved line, on which a considerable amount of work has been done in forming a dray track, by means of side cuttings, &c, but of which a portion yet remains unfinished, owing to the fact that the whole amount voted for this road has been expended. Tho original sum would have been sufficient, but it was thought desirable to adopt a proposed deviation in the Wai-iti Valley, not at first contemplated, which materially increased the cost of the whole line, but which is an undoubted aud substantial improvement and avoids two fords across the Wai-iti. Dbax Road iboii the Wai-au Beidge to the

Uppee Wai-ait.

All the contracts on this work have been let, and ono of them is reported as being finished ; the rest I believe are in a state of forwardness. I speak however, only from report, not having had an opportunity of visiting the district.

Motueka.

The old portion of the jetty has been lately repaired in a substantial manner; tin's extends to twelve panels, and the remainder, consisting of twenty-four panels I am sorry to report, is almost in as bad a state as that just repaired, and will certainly require a considerable outlay to make it even safe. It has been proposed instead, to shorten the length of this jetty, and to cut a wide channel in the beach, by which vessels might approach the structure as shortened. I see no objection to such a plan, which has, I think, everything to recommend it — both economy and permanence. I should recommend that the necessary levels and measurements bo taken, and a proper plan of the work prepared ; an approximate estimate might be given of of the cost meanwhile. • Mouteee. The works on the road leading from Lower Moutere to the Wai-Wero are now nearly completed. I inspected the work lately, but required the contractors to alter and improve it in a few particulars, before finally passing it. This road will be a great improvement to the district. The Moutere cart bridge will require to be tarred this summer. I have prepared a specification for the work, and have called for tenders. The sums voted for the improvement of the road between Waimea-Wcst and Moutere are now being expended by the different Road Boards on the road over the Moutere hills, which will be materially improved, and rendered thereby comparatively easy and safe, if the work for the whole distance is finished like that now in progress. RIWAKA. The sum voted for the erection of a foot-bridge over this river has not yet been expended, I have, however, inspected the site fixed on by the Road Board, and consider it well adapted for the purpose. I have also prepared a plan and specification for the work, and tenders will be called for as soon as the . necessary arrangements have been made for securing a right-of-road through private lands, to the site of the bridge. The store house at the landing-place, Riwaka, has been erected, and will prove to be of great service in landing and shipping goods. Takaka. The contracts on the Waituhi road in this valley, have all been completed, and the road will prove serviceable in opening up a valuable district. The cross-road between the east and west Takaka roads has also been completed according to contract, but will need a few additions in the shape of cuttings and ditches, to render it serviceable. I have given instructions on this head to the contractors. With reference to the other cross-road, near the junctions of the Waitapu and Motupipi roads, and also the proposed road from Motupipi to Clifton, nothing further has been done, excepting that some correspondence has taken place on the subjects. In order to render the East Takaka road useful to the settlers at Clifton and elsewhere, I have prepared specifications for some ditching and bridges, &c, which are necessary at the Clifton end, and have called for tenders for the work. Besides this, I believe a moderate expenditure would complete all that is necessary to render this road available from end to end, and would strongly recommend that it Bhould be completed. WORKS IN AND ABOUND NELSON FOB WHICH MONEY was VOTED LAST YEAR. Government Whabf. Although it was contemplated to make some extensive additions to this, only one piece of work has been completed, namely, the filling in solid of a considerable area next the entrance and main road with gravel, &c, bo as to give more room for carting and storeage, &c. The Wharfinger or Lessee has made a proposition for certain other extensions which have not yet been maturely considered — one for enlarging the platform area in front of the part recently filled in, to which there seems to be no objection ; another to extend a new arm from the northern corner in an angular direction. To this latter I should be inclined to object as being inconvenient, but it is a question which could be most satisfactorily answered by the Harbour Master. House toe Fiee Engine. This building has been completed, and the approaches to it are now being made up. It will be fit for occupancy in a few days. Hospital — Outbuilding. This, consisting of two rooms, one to be used as a dead-house, and much required, has also been completed. Gaol— Dbainage, &c. The requisite quantity of six-inch glazed earthenware drain-pipes has been procured for this purpose, but they have not yet been laid down, objections having been raised as to the line on which it was proposed to lay them. Public Cejieteby — Fencing. Quicks have been planted along all those parts of the boundary-fence which required them, and the face has been made good. GOYEENMENT BUILDINGS— VENTILATING, LIGHTING, AND EEPAIEING ROOP. The lighting and ventilation of the Provincial Hall have been completed, and with a successful reBult ; there appears, however, to be some fault in the character of the lamps supplied for the chandeliers. The repairs of the roof are now in hand. Pblobus Road

Has been repaired from time to time as required, the last heavy flood has done considerable damage to the dray road recently made, or rather partly

made, and has caused some heavy slips on the Maungatapu which are now in course of being repaired. Maitai Riveb — Pbotection of Roads, &c. The sum voted for this work has been expended, and the results generally have been successful, but the late flood has done serious damage to the river banks in those parts where the meaus of protection had not been thoroughly earned out, and the consequence has been that a portion of Bridge-street bridge has been carried away, and a large portion also of the western bank, both above and below the bridge. Nile-street bridge has also been partially destroyed ; the large quantity of drift timber added materially to the disastrous effect of the very high flood. It will be necessary to bestow some labour on the river banks ; to preserve what is left of the roads alongside of the river. Nelson Pound. j This work has been completed satisfactorily on a more convenient site than the old one. Waieoa Bbidge. The high flood mentioned above, has been productive of some damage to the small bridge over the second branch of the Wairoa River. I propose j to do away with the small bridge altogether, and to erect au embankment or dam in its place, about one foot above the ordinary level of the water on the fall above, so that in floods, the water will flow over the embankment, care being taken to prevent the formation of a new channel, and to divert a greater bulk of water under the large bridge, the foundations of which are sound and uninjured.

The arches however of the large bridge have become warped considerably by the shrinkage of the timber, and will require somo adjustment shortly. The remains of tho small bridge will be applied to the formation of a foot-bridge over the Wai-iti, at Waimea West.

Roads thbough Dote Dale, &c.

Numerous applications have been received from settlers in Dove Dale, to have the various roads leading into this district improved so as to make them available for cart traffic ; the road leading to Stanley Brook by way of Pigeon valley is also complained of as being dangerous for horses, from the number of fallen trees and other obstacles. I believe there are persons willing to execute any works that may be required, and to take payment in land. lam also given to understand that many settlers in Dove Dale would subscribe towards the improvement of their roads.

To thoroughly improve the whole of these roads, it would be necessary to fell and clear the bush off the full width of one chain ; but this, from their great aggregate length, would involve a very large expenditure, more in fact than I should feel justified in recommending, taking into consideration the nature and comparative importance of the district. We shall, therefore, have to be content with such improvements as straightening and moderately widening the road and increasing the width of the cuttings and bridges so as to bo passable by carts, the remainder of the work being left until the importance of the road and district increases, and the population becomes more numerous.

West Coast Roads.

The proposed foot-track from the upper end of the Maruia Plains to the mouth of the Grey has been completed, tho whole distance being about eighty miles, instead of sixty-six, as estimated.

Of this a portion from the Ahaura upwards, twenty-six miles in length, has been made, available for horse traffic, the lower part being constantly used for this purpose. Below the Ahaura, and reaching as far as the Arnold, a track has also been made suitable for horse traffic a distance of about thirteen miles.

Between the Arnold and the Little Grey, advantage has been taken of open dry beaches, where possible, and a narrow line had been cut through much of the scrub and bush on the other portions by the runholdcrs, which has been straightened and widened, and all the soft places and swamps have been either bridged or made good in some other way. This part of the Grey road has been and is still very much used ; it is all on the south side of the river. A horse-track has also been cut on the north bank of the River Arnold for about six or seven miles, leading to the Arnold diggings and township, and another has been cut leading from the Twelve-Mile Landing towards No-Town, up the Maori Creek some four or five miles. The lengths of road opened in connection with the Grey district will appear thus :—: — Horse Foot , Track. Track. Cobden to the Ford above the

Total, 115 miles. A large proportion of the so-called foot-track would be at once available as a horse-track, were certain rocky and swampy portions made good. The greatest difficulties would be experienced in the upper part of the Grey, and the saddle between it and the Maruia, where there is much soft swampy ground, though of no great depth, as also in the Coal Gorge, and a portion between the Twelve-Mile Landing and the Ahaura, but on the north side of the river. The nature of the country in the Upper Grey seems to forbid the hope that we shall ever obtain a really good track, except at a very great expense, but further explorations may lead to the discovery of a more favourable line than the one that has been selected. COBDEN. The works that have been executed in and around Cobden since the road- party commenced, and at which time there was not standing-room for a tent, so dense was the bush and scrub on the banks of the river, are as follow: — Buildings. One storehouse, 32 feet by 12 feet, since altered into a Court-house, with four rooms attached. One new storehouse, 20 feet by 12 feet, for use of road parties and survey parties. One lockup, 28 by 18 feet, with two cells and accommodation for constables, and upper floor, full size of building. One large warehouse or bonded store, 46 by 24 feet, with upper floor, and including offices for Postmaster and other rooms. These stand altogether on one reserve, which has been cleared of all bush, scrub, &c. A wharf has been erected, distant about eight or nine chains from these buildings, and in the rocky gorge where there is deep water for vessels of a length of 250 feet by an average width of about 25 feet, and this adjoins the coal wharf, which is situated immediately above, and is 40 feet long and 24 feet wide also belonging to the Government.

Owing to the number of rocks and large snags lying in the river in front of the wharf, and the difficulty that has been encountered in removing them, the wharf has been of comparatively little use since its completion. The river however is now nearly cleared of all these obstructions, and vessels will be able to come alongside.

The constant state of flood in which the river was kopt by a very wet season, prevented the number and size of these obstructions being ascertained and examined until the summer was well advanced and the wharf nearly completed. A signal staff and signal man's dwelling house has also been erected, jointly between the Nelson and Canterbury Governments. A road half-a-chain wide has been cut (for the most part out of the solid rock) from the wharf to the reserve, on which stand all the buildings enumerated, and adjoining which ia situated the township

of Cobden laid off into main and cross streets with business sites each one chain deep, and one-half chain wide.

From the Reserve to the sea-beach, north of the Grey, has been felled, cleared, and formed, one mile long, a dray road one chain wide ; the first twelve chains metalled twenty-two feet wide, the rest twelve feet wide, with substantial bridges built over the different gullies and swamps, and good cuttings made in the banks ; the swampy parts have also been double ditched.

Cross streets every five chains leading down to the Tide Creek, which is navigable for barges and small craft, have also been cleared, all one chain wide, and of an aggregate length of forty chains. A foot track, ten to twelve feet wide, has also been opened along the edge of the creek, for a distance of rather more than half a mile, to give easy access to the stores, &c, on the beach, just inside the mouth of the Grey. Twelve-Mile Landing. At this place is stationed one of the Wardens and the bulk of the police force. There has here been laid off a convenient township, with main and cross streets one chain wide, and cleared of bush and scrub. A warden's reserve, of two chains square, cleared and fenced. A court-house, 20 by 13 feet, with small room attached, has been built ; also, a lock-up, with two cells and constables' room attached, with well and other conveniences on the reserve. The reserve has been dug up and cultivated as a garden. Beach — Noeth of the Gbey. A track has been cut over the cliffs at Point Elizabeth, about five miles from the Grey, over which horses can travel with loads. By arrangement, this was made by private individuals, who were empowered to charge tolls on it ; it will, howover, be purchased at a valuation by the Government, and kept in proper repair, which the makers of it failed to do. As the diggings are extending. along the coast northward, it may be found necessary to cut tracks over some other rocky points, which will be attended with some difficulty and great expense, from the rough, rocky, and generally impracticable nature of the country along the coast. ANALYSIS OF COAL MINING LEASE TO CASEY AND OTHERS, AT THE GREY. Boundaries and contents, 1,280 acres. Lessees to have power to dig; drive, make shafts, or perform other necessary work for obtaining the coal ; to have liberty to erect engine-houses and other necessary buildings, and dig clay and make bricks for the same. Commissioner of Crown Lands to have power to make and use roads in, through, and over the said lands, and to let such portions of surface as may not be required by lessees. Right to dig gold excepted. Lease for twenty-one years, paying a royalty of onefiftieth, or, in lieu thereof, 2d. per ton, except on coal used by engines, workmen, &c. Lessees to pay a rental of Is. per acre for first year, and 4s. per acre per annum for remainder of term. Rent to be paid within twenty-one days, or Commissioner to have power to distrain upon coal or other property. Lessees to pay all rates and taxes, and to raise during the first year 10,000 tons of coal ; second year, 25,000 tons ; and third and following years, 30,000 tons per year. Lessees to carry on operations uninterruptedly ; to raise the slack and keep the mine clear; to employ a sufficient number of hands ; to keep proper books and accounts, which the Commissioner may inspect, and bo at liberty to enter and inspect mines and works. Lessees to properly fence pits and shafts, keep proper weighing machines, and not to allow any coal to be removed unless first weighed or measured, and not to set over or part with lease without consent of Commissioner. If conditions are not fulfilled the Commissioner to have to determine lease by giving notice in writing. Lessees may terminate lease by giving two months' notice beiore the end of any year of the term.

Ahaura 'hence to the Little G-rey jittle Grrey to Mackley's . feyond Mackley's . )henoe to Maruia Plains (Snow's Contract) .... lamia Plains .... fp the Arnold River irnold to Ford above Ahaura . Ip Maori Creek 8 5 13 12 6 13 4 26 31 61 54